Abstract:

The acceleration of zero-emission bus deployment may be solidified through upcoming directives and regulations. The Clean Vehicles Directive, which sets minimum sales shares of publicly procured zero-emission buses, will be reviewed in 2027 to set new post-2030 targets, and will play a significant role in further driving the increase in zero-emission buses. In addition, the CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles, which don’t currently apply to buses, will be reviewed by the end of 2022 bringing the possibility to establish Europe’s first CO2 standards for buses. Finally, some financial support is available for lower income regions which may lack the capital to overcome the financial hurdles associated with investing in zero-emission vehicles. Introducing further such initiatives may play a critical role in unlocking the zero-emission transition of public fleets in lower income countries.